Vehicle owners might be subject to increased charges to finance road safety, following suggestions to the government to up the fees for driving licences and car examinations. There have also been recommendations to impose higher penalties on reckless road users and boost direct treasury support for road safety. This comes in light of serious budgetary concerns surrounding the Road Safety Authority (RSA). An external review of the RSA, accessed by The Irish Times, indicated potential issues with inadequate resources and attention being allotted to road safety and education.
In other Irish news, Coalition party leaders have agreed that the general election will take place in 2024, likely on a Friday, but the exact date has not been finalised. Indefensible is how Ryanair is labelling its choice to not provide complimentary water or other beverages to passengers who were stranded on its planes for as long as 15 hours owing to Storm Ashley. A recent poll has exposed politicians’ disconnect with the youth, who feel that their interests are being overlooked. In an attempt to invigorate Dublin city centre, the Dublin Taskforce has suggested 10 “big moves” to make the city more appealing, safe, and less dilapidated.
Today’s weather is expected to be largely clear with sporadic showers and maximum temperatures varying between 12 and 15 degrees under predominantly light South-West winds. Tonight, the weather will start clear but is likely to turn cloudier, with the potential for light drizzle in the early morning. A trough in the temperature is anticipated, with the mercury dropping to between 4 and 8 degrees.
With teachers leaving due to Ireland’s housing crisis, an increase in administrative responsibilities, and limited opportunities for progression, it’s surprising that anyone is choosing to enter the education sector. These problems regularly hit the headlines, leading to questions over the attractiveness of a career in teaching.
Furthermore, in financial news, the recent tax cuts mean 2023’s Form 11 tax return could see taxpayers handing over less money than expected, and even lower preliminary tax for 2024; filing your return early could save you money, as staying tax compliant tends to be less costly.
On the sports front, Stephen Roche, the cyclist, suggested an initial meet-up in Port-Fréjus, which can be reached via a scenic motorway around the Cote d’Azur, bypassing famous landmarks such as Sainte-Maxime, St-Raphaël, and Saint-Tropez. Regrettably, he confesses to actions in recent years that he isn’t proud of.
In American politics, the Democratic Party could suffer a blow due to the growing disillusionment amongst Arab-Americans in Michigan, a situation that could prove costly for Harris.
In family matters, a 16-year-old girl has ceased attending school consistently, blaming her mental health and inability to wake up in the morning. This has led her parents to consider confiscating her phone as a potential solution.
Finally, a variety of crosswords and puzzles are available for those seeking a challenge, including a Simplex Crossword, Crosaire Crossword, and Sudoku Puzzle.